LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA
Benjamin Franklin once wrote: “Our new Constitution is now established, everything seems to promise it will be durable; but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” While this adage may not always be true, it often seems that life is full of more unpredictability than certainty. The best meteorologists can only attempt to accurately predict the weather. The movement that goes on under the ground is not completely predictable. And because our world is made up of billions of unique individuals with their own opinions and abilities, there are many different views of how things should be done. While many push for individuality and freedom, in our humanness, we crave certainty, and will do almost anything to have it.

As followers of Christ, we will face uncertainty on a regular, even daily, basis, but we can rest in the certainty of Christ and the eternal life we have in Him. In the early church, followers of Christ faced many struggles, including false teachings. John wrote to them to assure them of the eternal life that comes through our relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This week, we will look at the assurance we have as a result of our faith in Christ and how this assurance can help us live for Him now.

Passages we’ll review:
1 John 5:11-13; Revelation 22:8-16; Daniel 12:1-3

OPENING
What stood out to you from the message this week? What led you to really think? Did anything challenge you?

Think about the closest relationship you have with another person. What are some of the things that make you confident in that friendship? How do you know that person cares about you?

READ

Read 1 John 5:11-13

What was John’s reason for writing this letter to the early church? Why do you think he felt it was important that people were assured of eternal life?

Our society often believes that a general belief in God or good works is enough to get into heaven. What does John tell us in regards to this? Have you ever been tempted to fall into this trap?

What does John say is required to have life? What does it look like to have the Son?

What is the condition of those who do NOT have the Son?

Read Revelation 22:8-16

Why do you think Jesus emphasizes the importance of righteousness and remaining faithful in this passage?

Knowing of Christ’s imminent return, how should it influence how we interact with those in our lives who don’t know Christ?

DIGGING DEEPER

Read Daniel 12:1-3

Eternal life isn’t a topic that we see discussed much in the Old Testament. Yet, Daniel received a vision from God regarding this resurrection and eternal life. —Editor’s Note

What does this passage tell us about the resurrection? How does this impact your personal faith?

How should our understanding of eternity affect how we live today?

LET’S PRAY

Consider the following as you pray together:

1. How does the assurance of eternal life shape your perspective of the future? How does it influence the way you live today? How can you live better today in light of eternity?
   

2. Thank God for giving you eyes to see the foolishness of this world and the greatness of His power. Pray for strength to embrace the eternal promise we have in Him. Ask Him to help you reach others with this wonderful truth.